Wisconsin blows past UCLA 86-70 in Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals
- Chas Post
- Mar 15
- 1 min read
The Wisconsin Badgers blew past the UCLA Bruins 86-70 in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Wisconsin got off to a quick start and never let off the gas pedal as backcourt duo John Tonje and John Blackwell helped tie the Big Ten Tournament single-game record with a historic 19 3-pointers made in the blowout win.
Just days after earning All-Big Ten First Team honors, Tonje finished with a game-high 26 points on 9/10 shooting from the field to go with nine rebounds and four assists. Blackwell racked up 18 points and five rebounds in the win. Wisconsin took a 48-29 lead into halftime and led by as much as 27 points before eventually cruising to a second straight victory.
The Badgers shot a blistering 51.7 percent from the field and 59.4 percent from 3-point range en route to returning to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals for a second consecutive season. Following a disappointing loss to the Penn State Nittany Lions in the regular season finale last weekend, Wisconsin's high-powered offense has seemingly found its groove again.
"I think with it just being a competitive game and win or go home, I was trying to bring any energy I can. I'm known as more of a calm guy but I couldn't help myself today," Tonje said after the historic shooting performance. The Badgers will attempt to keep the momentum going against the top seeded Michigan State Spartans in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals.
